US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026 – Complete Guide for Pakistani Students
The US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026 are an important opportunity for students in Pakistan who want to study for a PhD in the United States. These scholarships are offered by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The program is designed to help students join top-ranked US universities and complete advanced research in important fields. Check Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Hunarmand Program 2025 Online Registration.
The scholarship is open for the Fall 2026 admissions and targets the Top 100 QS World Ranked US Universities. The aim is to give Pakistani students access to quality education and strong research exposure. The scholarship covers tuition fees, health insurance and a monthly stipend.
The program is only for PhD studies, not for MS leading to PhD. Students with a strong academic record and relevant background can apply. The scholarship gives preference to students who want to study in the top subject areas listed on the HEC website.
Details of US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026
In this section, you will find all details in a clear and simple way. Every requirement, condition and benefit is explained to help you understand the scholarship at first glance.
1. General Eligibility Criteria
These rules apply to all applicants who want to apply for the US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026.
Nationality
- Applicant must be a Pakistani citizen or AJK national.
Education Requirement
- Minimum 16 years of education such as BS, BE, BSc (4-year).
- There must be no 2nd or 3rd division in the entire academic career for Category I and II scholarships.
Age Limit
- 40 years for regular government employees, faculty members of public universities and researchers of public R&D organizations.
- 35 years for all other applicants.
Other Conditions
- Applicant must not be receiving any other scholarship at the time of applying.
- Applicant must meet both general eligibility and specific eligibility conditions.
2. Specific Eligibility Criteria
The US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026 are divided into two main categories based on university ranking. Each category has its own requirements.
Category I – For Top 50 QS Ranked US Universities
This is the highest-level scholarship category. Students who secure admission in any of the Top 50 QS World Ranked US Universities will fall under this category.
Benefits
- Tuition fee according to the university invoice.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Full health insurance coverage.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicant must have secured admission in a Top 50 QS Ranked US University.
- Must have a valid GRE General score (minimum 300 total)
OR
A valid HAT score (minimum 60 percent).
Category II – For Universities Ranked 51–100 in QS Rankings
This category is for students who get admission in US universities ranked 51 to 100 in QS World Rankings.
Benefits
- Tuition fee up to USD 12,000 per year.
- Monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Health insurance included.
Eligibility Requirements
- Admission secured in a US university ranked 51–100 in QS ranking.
- Valid GRE score of minimum 300
OR
Valid HAT score of minimum 60 percent.
3. Academic Preferences
HEC will give preference to:
- Students who apply in preferred subject areas listed on the HEC website.
- Candidates with strong academic backgrounds and relevant experience.
The list of preferred subjects can be found at:
www.hec.gov.pk/site/US-PAK-KC
4. Important Notes for Applicants
HEC has clearly mentioned some important points for all students applying for the US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026:
- Only applicants who meet all general and specific criteria will be shortlisted.
- Shortlisting will depend on GRE or HAT scores, and admission in top-ranked US universities.
- The latest QS Ranking 2025 will be used for evaluating university ranking.
- The ranking list is available at www.topuniversities.com.
- Applications must be submitted through the HEC Scholarship Portal.
5. How to Apply for the US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026
The application process is completely online. Students must follow all steps carefully to avoid mistakes.
Step 1: Visit the HEC Scholarship Portal
Go to:
https://scholarship.hec.gov.pk
Create an account or log in if you already have one.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile
Fill in all personal details, academic information and employment history (if any).
Upload your documents such as:
- CNIC
- Educational degrees
- Transcript
- GRE or HAT score
- Admission letter from the US university
Step 3: Select the Correct Scholarship Category
Choose whether you are applying for Category I or Category II based on the university ranking.
Step 4: Upload Admission Proof
Students must upload an official admission letter from the US university.
Applications without admission proof will not be accepted.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Double-check your information and submit your form.
Make sure everything is correct because incomplete forms will be rejected.
6. Documents Required
To apply for the US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026, students need the following documents:
- CNIC or Form-B
- Passport copy (if available)
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- GRE General score report or HAT score
- Admission letter or acceptance email from US university
- CV or resume
- Research proposal (if required by the university)
7. Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Verification of academic records
- Checking GRE or HAT scores
- Confirming university ranking
- Shortlisting based on merit
- Final selection by HEC
Only the most deserving and eligible students will receive the US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026.
US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships Advertisement 2026
8. Financial Coverage of the Scholarship
The scholarship provides strong financial support:
For Category I:
- Full tuition fee as per university
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance (as per policy)
For Category II:
- Tuition fee up to USD 12,000 per year
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance (as per policy)
9. Last Date to Apply
The last date to apply for the US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026 is:
April 30, 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Students are advised to apply early.
10. Contact Information
For support or queries, applicants may contact:
Project Management Unit, US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor
Higher Education Commission (HEC), Sector H-8, Islamabad
UAN: 051-111-119-432
Mobile: 0334-1119432
Social Media: HEC Pakistan official accounts
Conclusion
The US-Pak Knowledge Corridor Scholarships 2026 offer an excellent chance for Pakistani students who want to study at world-class US universities. The scholarship supports high-quality research, covers tuition fees and provides financial help for living expenses. Students with strong academic backgrounds and valid GRE or HAT scores should apply before the deadline.
